Microbiosensor will use the funding to advance its handheld infection diagnosis tool through critical development and clinical testing.

Microbiosensor, a UK-based medtech spinout from University of Manchester, has received £1.4m ($1.8m) from government-backed Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) and local government-backed Catapult Cheshire Life Sciences Fund.

Microbiosensor aims to improve the diagnosis of urinary tract infections and certain kidney problems with a handheld machine that changes colour to notify physicians and patients should an infection escalate.

The business was co-founded by CEO Gordon Barker, who received a PhD in philosophy, biochemistry and molecular biology from Manchester in 2004,…